The season two finale of Just Beings is here! In this episode, hosts Evanna and Melanie discuss their experiences working to transform the food system, reflect on what they’ve learned from this season’s extraordinary guests, and share what gives them hope for the future. They also chat about the projects they’re working on, the practices they use to help them slow down and be more present, and the issues infighting causes within social justice movements. Evanna even addresses how she feels...

David Yeung—the visionary cofounder of Green Monday and OmniFoods—has been concerned about the impact of our global food system on the planet for decades. That’s why his mission to create delicious plant-based alternatives to popular Asian dishes both pushes culinary boundaries and involves a commitment to protecting the planet, animals, and society.  In this week’s episode, David joins Evanna and Melanie to share his wisdom on how small, achievable steps to go meat-free can lead to...

Our global food system, which relies heavily on factory farming, is wreaking havoc on our soil and our environment. In this week’s episode, Philip Lymbery joins Evanna and Melanie to chat about his book "Sixty Harvests Left," in which he points out that if we don’t change our ways, factory farming will cause catastrophic climate change—and we could face a future without soil and, consequently, without food. In this enlightening conversation, Philip, Evanna, and Melanie discuss how we...

Soul food has its roots in the culinary traditions of Black Americans and African diaspora communities in the southern United States, and it plays a crucial role in preserving Black history. But given the impact of racism and colonialism in the US food system on Black people, what should soul food look like today? In this week’s episode, Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter joins Melanie and Evanna to talk about his book The Spirit of Soul Food: Race, Faith, & Food Justice, which unpacks the...

In this episode of Just Beings, actor, entrepreneur, and influencer Daniella Monet joins Melanie to discuss her journey to plant-based eating—which began when she was just five years old—and her advocacy for healthy food systems and peaceful living. This uplifting conversation delves into the importance of balance and self-care, particularly for people who champion social justice causes; how being authentic can be an effective form of activism; and why we need to give ourselves grace for...

Have you ever looked at the “Climate Friendly!” label on a packaged item and wondered whether the product is truly environmentally friendly? If so, you’re not alone. In today’s world, where protecting the environment is paramount, it’s important to know how to differentiate genuine sustainability efforts from greenwashing. Greenwashing is a form of marketing in which an organization falsely claims that its products or policies are environmentally friendly. In this week’s episode, Evanna and...

Author and host of Netflix’s "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones," Dan Buettner, joins Evanna and Melanie on this week’s episode to discuss the secrets of the world’s longest-living populations and the remarkable places known as blue zones, where people live vibrant, healthy lives well into their 90s and 100s. He also shares his mission to transform American cities into healthier, happier communities. Dan also provides practical advice on how you can incorporate blue zone principles...

John Lewis, known online as The Badass Vegan, is on a mission to show that making simple dietary and lifestyle changes can be the key to overcoming health challenges. In the season 2 premiere of Just Beings, John tells Evanna and Melanie about his remarkable life story: born to a drug-addicted mother, he was adopted and grew up amid the violence of Ferguson, Missouri, before becoming a prominent advocate for health and wellness and a staunch promoter of compassion. John also discusses...

Bonnie Wright’s strong connection to the ocean developed in childhood, when she spent her weekends on the beach on the south coast of England. As an artist, she drew inspiration from the sea—and over time, as she witnessed the beach become ever more littered with trash and erosion and climate change  threaten the coastline, she was inspired into activism, too. On the final episode of season 1, she chats with Evanna about her book, Go Gently: Actionable Steps to Nurture Yourself and the...

In her new book A More Just Future, award-winning psychologist Dolly Chugh recounts how she went from seeing the Little House on the Prairie books as enchanting tales of American family life to recognizing the series’ “whitewashing” of US history—and confronting the psychological discomfort that this recognition entailed. On this week’s episode, Dolly joins Melanie to talk about the book, which is a guide to unlearning the one-sided history most people in the United States have been taught;...

Are you finding it harder and harder to focus? If so, it’s not your fault—and you’re certainly not alone. When we’re striving for positive change, whether in our personal lives or on social issues, being able to remain focused on our goals is key. But a multitude of factors in our modern world are making it ever more challenging for us to do so. In this week’s episode, New York Times best-selling author Johann Hari joins Melanie to discuss his own personal journey to find his focus, what he...

In this episode of Just Beings, Dave and Steve Flynn of The Happy Pear join Evanna and Melanie to discuss how they made the journey from opening a humble fruit and veg shop in Ireland to building a community of over 1 million people living healthier lives. This uplifting conversation dives deep into the benefits and challenges of being optimistic in life and work, the power of following our curiosity, and the energy, motivation, and joy that come from being mission-driven and working in...

Joanne Molinaro, known on social media as The Korean Vegan, is a master of the art of storytelling for social change. After the video in which she prepares Korean braised potatoes while describing how she worked as a janitor during high school in order to earn money to buy clothes to fit in with the cool kids went viral, she started producing 60-second recipe videos in which she tells stories about her family, immigrants from what is now known as North Korea. In this episode, Joanne—a...

Psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais, a world-renowned expert on the relationship between the mind and human performance, has cracked the code of how ordinary people can do extraordinary things. By becoming more present, we can improve the way we respond to challenges in our personal lives as well as injustices in the world around us. In this week’s episode, he joins Melanie to share insights into how we can change the way we think so that we find personal empowerment and can help create a better...

Fashion icon and environmental advocate Lily Cole joins Evanna and Melanie on this week’s episode to chat about her book Who Cares Wins, in which she presents a plethora of potential solutions to the environmental crisis intended to inspire and create lasting global change. In this wide-ranging conversation, they discuss the importance of having an attitude of openness and dialog when addressing environmental issues, why animal agriculture is such a contentious topic within the climate...

“How do we all occupy space on this planet in a way that does justice to our own dignity? How do we reclaim our own dignity and honor the dignity of others?” These are among the questions that hosts Evanna Lynch and Dr. Melanie Joy will be exploring on the Just Beings podcast.  In this episode, Evanna and Melanie kick off the show with an intimate conversation in which they recall how they bonded over their shared solutionary approach to addressing injustice, highlight the importance of...

On the Just Beings podcast, renowned actress and writer Evanna Lynch and award-winning psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Melanie Joy will be having conversations with changemakers about how to shift our thinking to create a more just world for people, animals, and the planet—and to cultivate personal transformation in the process. The show will be launching next Tuesday, August 23. Subscribe now to make sure that you don’t miss an episode! Follow Just Beings on social media: ...